Method of operating a temperature-controlled delivery box

ABSTRACT

A temperature-controlled delivery appliance and a method of operating the same are provided. The temperature-controlled delivery appliance includes a storage container, an object detection assembly for detecting the items within the storage container, and a controller for implementing a method including receiving a delivery notification of an item to be delivered and using the object detection assembly to determine the available storage capacity within the storage container. If there is insufficient available storage capacity, the method includes providing a notification to a user or delivery agent to deliver to an alternate location or reschedule delivery.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to delivery boxes, and more particularly, to methods for operating temperature-controlled delivery boxes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Given the rise in food and grocery delivery services, temperature-controlled and access secure delivery appliances are desirable to permit deliveries when the consumer is not home. For example, delivery appliances are typically positioned outdoors of a residence and have a climate control system for regulating the temperature within a storage container positioned within a cabinet of the delivery appliance. In this manner, the consumer may receive delivery of food orders and maintain that food at the desired storage temperature, even while not at home. For example, the user or the delivery service may set a temperature of the delivery appliance at a desired temperature to avoid spoiling perishable food items or to otherwise prevent degradation of the quality of the food which might otherwise occur if the food were stored in an uncontrolled environment.

Notably, users may often receive multiple packages in a single day, deliveries from different delivery agents, etc. Moreover, each of these delivered packages may have a different size and shape. If the delivery appliance is not emptied at a suitable frequency, the storage container may be quickly filled and delivered items may not fit within the remaining space in the storage container, resulting in wasted delivery effort, incomplete deliveries, delivery rescheduling, or damaged items. Moreover, a user of the appliance may not be home when items are delivered and may forget to check the delivery appliance and retrieve items when they return. As a result, items that may require tending, removal, or cold storage may be spoiled.

Accordingly, a temperature-controlled delivery box and methods of controlling the same for improved operation would be desirable. More specifically, a method for minimizing the occurrence of space limitations of the delivery appliance while providing improved appliance operation and user interaction would be particularly beneficial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In one exemplary embodiment, a temperature-controlled delivery appliance is provided including a storage container positioned within a cabinet for receiving items for storage, an object detection assembly positioned within the cabinet for detecting the items within the storage container, and a controller operably coupled to the object detection assembly. The controller is configured to receive a delivery notification of an item to be delivered, obtain a required storage capacity of the item being delivered, determine an available storage capacity within the storage container using the object detection assembly, determine that the required storage capacity is greater than the available storage capacity, and provide a capacity notification in response to determining that the required storage capacity is greater than the available storage capacity.

In another exemplary embodiment, a method of operating a temperature-controlled delivery appliance is provided. The temperature-controlled delivery appliance includes a storage container for receiving items for storage and an object detection assembly for detecting the items within the storage container. The method includes receiving a delivery notification of an item to be delivered, obtaining a required storage capacity of the item to be delivered, determining an available storage capacity within the storage container using the object detection assembly, determining that the required storage capacity is greater than the available storage capacity, and providing a capacity notification in response to determining that the required storage capacity is greater than the available storage capacity.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a temperature-controlled delivery box according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the exemplary temperature-controlled delivery box of FIG. 1, with a back cover removed to reveal a controls compartment and a mechanical compartment.

FIG. 3 provides a top view of storage containers positioned within the exemplary temperature-controlled delivery box of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 4 provides a top view of storage containers positioned within the exemplary temperature-controlled delivery box of FIG. 1, with a top panel removed to reveal a drainage system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 5 provides a schematic view of a sealed cooling system configured for cooling the exemplary temperature-controlled delivery box of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 6 provides a schematic view of an object detection assembly that may be used with the exemplary temperature-controlled delivery box of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 7 provides a method of operating the temperature-controlled delivery box prior to a delivery according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

FIGS. 1 through 4 depict a temperature-controlled delivery appliance 10 that is generally configured for receiving delivery of food items or other articles that are preferably stored in a temperature-controlled and/or secure environment. According to exemplary embodiments, temperature-controlled delivery appliance 10 is positioned outside a consumer's residence and is configured for receiving grocery/food deliveries or the delivery of any other suitable items. It should be appreciated that the term “temperature-controlled delivery appliance,” or simply “delivery appliance,” is used in a generic sense herein to encompass any device intended for storing items in a refrigerated, heated, climate-controlled, or secure environment. In addition, it should be understood that the present subject matter is not limited to use in delivery appliances. Thus, the present subject matter may be used for any other suitable purpose, such as for receiving any other product or item that is desirably maintained in a temperature-controlled environment or more generally stored.

In the illustrated example embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the temperature-controlled delivery appliance 10 includes a casing or cabinet 12 that extends between a top and a bottom along a vertical direction V, between a first side and a second side along a lateral direction L, and between a front side and a rear side along a transverse direction T. Each of the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are mutually perpendicular to one another, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is generally defined.

As illustrated, delivery appliance 10 includes one or more storage containers 14 mounted within cabinet 12. Specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, delivery appliance 10 includes three storage containers 14 mounted in or suspended from a top panel 16 of cabinet 12, e.g., using any suitable support brackets, mechanical fasteners, welding, snap-fit mechanisms, etc. In addition, it should be appreciated that an insulating material (not shown), such as foam panels, fiberglass, or spray-in foam insulation, may be positioned within cabinet 12 around storage containers 14 to provide thermal and/or sound insulation to delivery appliance 10.

As illustrated, each of the three storage containers 14 define an opening 18 at top panel 16 of cabinet 12. In this regard, food items 20 (FIG. 3) or other products or items may be positioned within storage containers 14 for storage, e.g., until they may be moved to a refrigerator appliance, pantry, or other permanent storage when the consumer returns home. As explained in detail below, each storage container 14 may be maintained at a different temperature for receiving foods that have different desired storage temperatures. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, storage containers 14 may have target temperatures suitable for storing room temperature food items 20 (such as bread, cereal, etc.), refrigerator food items (e.g., fruits, vegetables, milk, etc.), and frozen food items 20 (e.g., frozen pizza, ice cream, etc.).

Although the figures illustrate delivery appliance 10 as including three storage containers 14 having substantially rectangular cross sections and being spaced apart along the lateral direction L, it should be appreciated that the illustrated embodiment is used only as an example. According to alternative embodiments, delivery appliance 10 may include any suitable number of storage containers 14 having any suitable shape, size, and configuration. In addition, aspects of the present subject matter may apply to conventional refrigerator appliance with doors pivotally mounted to a front of the appliance. Such embodiments are contemplated as within the scope of the present subject matter.

Delivery appliance 10 further includes a door 30 rotatably attached to cabinet 12 in order to permit selective access to storage containers 14. Specifically, as illustrated, door 30 is pivotally mounted to a back of cabinet 12 and is positioned over openings 18 in the closed position. A handle 32 is mounted to or defined in door 30 to assist a user with opening and closing door 30 and a latch assembly 34 is mounted to cabinet 12 and/or door 30 for selectively locking door 30 in the closed position. Latch assembly 34 may be desirable, for example, to ensure only secured access (e.g., via the consumer or delivery person) and to prevent tampering or theft after food items 20 are delivered.

Referring now generally to FIGS. 2 through 4, delivery appliance 10 further includes a drainage system 40 for collecting and discharging liquids from within storage containers 14, e.g., such as melted items, condensation, melted frost, etc. Specifically, a drain 42 is defined in a bottom of each storage container 14. Drain 42 may be in fluid communication with one or more drainage pipes 44 for routing liquid out of storage containers 14 under the force of gravity. The drainage pipes 44 may merge and pass all collected liquid through a mechanical compartment 46 (FIG. 2) where it may be discharged from delivery appliance 10 (e.g., to an external drain) or used for other purposes within delivery appliance 10. Although drainage system 40 is illustrated as a gravity operated system, it should be appreciated that a suitable drainage pump may be used according to alternative embodiments.

Referring now specifically to FIGS. 2 and 5, mechanical compartment 46 may be defined in a rear wall of cabinet 12 and may be configured for receiving various operating components of delivery appliance 10. For example, delivery appliance 10 may include a climate control system 50 that includes various components for regulating one or more container temperatures, e.g., the temperature measured within respective storage containers 14. Thus, climate control system 50 may generally be in thermal communication with storage containers 14 and some or all components of climate control system 50 may be mounted within mechanical compartment 46.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 5, a schematic view of certain components of temperature-controlled delivery appliance 10 and climate control system 50 will be illustrated and described according to an exemplary embodiment. As described below, climate control system 50 may generally include a system or devices for heating storage containers 14 and/or a system or devices for cooling storage containers 14. Although an exemplary climate control system 50 is described below, it should be appreciated that climate control system 50 may include different component, configuration, and subsystems for heating, cooling, humidifying, dehumidifying, or otherwise controlling the climate with each of the respective storage containers 14.

According to exemplary embodiments, it may sometimes be desirable to raise the container temperature within one or more storage containers 14, e.g., when it is very cold outside or if hot food items 20 are being stored. In such cases, delivery appliance 10 may include a heating device 52 in thermal communication with one or more storage containers 14 for regulating the temperature of the storage containers 14. Thus, heating device 52 may be selectively activated and deactivated to control the container temperature. In general, heating device 52 may be any suitable type of heating element, such as an electric resistance heating element. In addition, heating device 52 may be used periodically to melt any frost build-up within storage containers 14.

In addition, it may frequently be desirable to lower the container temperature of one or more storage containers 14, e.g., when is it relatively warm outside or when chilled or perishable food items 20 are stored. In this regard, delivery appliance 10 may include features to operate delivery appliance as a refrigerator and/or freezer appliance. For example, delivery appliance 10 may include a sealed refrigeration system or sealed system 60, which is generally configured for executing a vapor compression cycle for cooling storage containers 14, as explained below.

In this regard, for example, sealed system 60 may include a compressor 64, a condenser 66, an expansion device 68, and one or more evaporators 70 connected in series by fluid conduit 72 that is charged with a refrigerant. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, sealed system 60 may include additional components, e.g., at least one additional evaporator, compressor, expansion device, and/or condenser. As an example, sealed system 60 may include three evaporators wrapped directly around storage containers 14.

Within sealed system 60, refrigerant flows into compressor 64, which operates to increase the pressure of the refrigerant. This compression of the refrigerant raises its temperature, which is lowered by passing the refrigerant through condenser 66. Within condenser 66, heat exchange with ambient air takes place so as to cool the refrigerant. A fan 74 may be used to pull air across condenser 66, as illustrated by arrows in FIG. 5, so as to provide forced convection for a more rapid and efficient heat exchange between the refrigerant within condenser 66 and the ambient air. Thus, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, increasing air flow across condenser 66 can, e.g., increase the efficiency of condenser 66 by improving cooling of the refrigerant contained therein.

An expansion device 68 (e.g., an electronic expansion valve, capillary tube, or other restriction device) receives refrigerant from condenser 66. From expansion device 68, the refrigerant enters evaporator 70. Upon exiting expansion device 68 and entering evaporator 70, the refrigerant drops in pressure. Due to the pressure drop and/or phase change of the refrigerant, evaporator 70 is cool relative to storage containers 14 of delivery appliance 10. As such, by wrapping evaporators 70 around storage containers 14 or positioning evaporator 70 coils within the walls of the storage containers 14, the temperature within storage containers 14 may be lowered.

Notably, as illustrated in FIG. 5, delivery appliance 10 may include three storage containers 14, each of which may have a dedicated evaporator 70. According to an exemplary embodiment, a single compressor 64, condenser 66, and expansion device 68 may support the operation of such evaporators 70. In this regard, sealed system 60 may include a refrigerant control valve 76 for regulating the flow of refrigerant to evaporators 70 to provide selective and independent cooling of each storage container 14. In this manner, using climate control system 50, each storage container 14 may have a different pre-conditioning temperature or target temperature, as described in more detail below. It should be appreciated that more or fewer storage containers 14 may be used and the configuration of one or more evaporators 70 may vary while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.

The sealed system 60 depicted in FIG. 5 is provided by way of example only. Thus, it is within the scope of the present subject matter for other configurations of the refrigeration system to be used as well. For example, according to alternative embodiments, cooled air may be passed over evaporator 70 and into storage containers 14 instead of relying on contact cooling. In addition, although sealed system 60 is described above as performing a vapor compression cycle to refrigerate storage containers 14, it should be appreciated that a sealed system may be alternately operated as a heat pump, e.g., and thus perform a heat pump cycle for heating storage containers 14. In this regard, for example, sealed system 60 may include a four-way reversing valve which could also be used to reverse the flow of refrigerant within fluid conduit 72 such that condenser 66 operates as an evaporator, and evaporator 70 operates as a condenser.

In some embodiments, delivery appliance 10 also includes one or more sensors that may be used to facilitate improved operation of delivery appliance 10, such as described below. For example, in order to obtain temperature or humidity data, delivery appliance 10 may include a plurality of temperature sensors and/or humidity sensors. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, a container temperature sensor 80 may be positioned within or placed in thermal communication with each storage container 14 for measuring a container temperature therein. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, container temperature sensors 80 are mounted to a rear wall of each storage container 14. Alternatively, container temperature sensors 80 may be positioned at any other suitable location proximate to storage containers 14 for providing data indicative of the container temperature. In addition, an ambient temperature sensor 82 may be positioned outside cabinet 12 for measuring a temperature of the environment in which delivery device 10 is located.

As used herein, “temperature sensor” or the equivalent is intended to refer to any suitable type of temperature measuring system or device positioned at any suitable location for measuring the desired temperature. Thus, for example, temperature sensors 80, 82 may each be any suitable type of temperature sensor, such as a thermistor, a thermocouple, a resistance temperature detector, etc. In addition, temperature sensors 80, 82 may be positioned at any suitable location and may output a signal, such as a voltage, to a controller that is proportional to and/or indicative of the temperature within storage container 14 or the ambient environment, respectively. Although exemplary positioning of temperature sensors is described herein, it should be appreciated that delivery appliance 10 may include any other suitable number, type, and position of temperature, humidity, and/or other sensors according to alternative embodiments.

Referring again to FIG. 1, delivery appliance 10 may include a control panel 90 including one or more selector inputs 92, such as knobs, buttons, touchscreen interfaces, etc. Additionally, a display 94, such as an indicator light or a screen, may be provided on control panel 90. Control panel 90, selector inputs 92, and display 94 may be in communication with a processing device or controller 96. In this manner, controller 96 may receive control inputs from selector inputs 92, may display information using display 94, and may otherwise regulate operation of the appliance. For example, signals generated in controller 96 may operate delivery appliance 10, including climate control system 50 and other system components, in response to the position of selector inputs 92 and other control commands. Control panel 90 and other components of delivery appliance 10 may be in communication with controller 96 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

As used herein, the terms “processing device,” “computing device,” “controller,” or the like may generally refer to any suitable processing device, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor, a microcontroller, an integrated circuit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a logic device, one or more central processing units (CPUs), a graphics processing units (GPUs) (e.g., dedicated to efficiently rendering images), processing units performing other specialized calculations, semiconductor devices, etc. In addition, these “controllers” are not necessarily restricted to a single element but may include any suitable number, type, and configuration of processing devices integrated in any suitable manner to facilitate appliance operation. Alternatively, controller 96 may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software.

Controller 96 may be operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with an appliance operating cycle. In this regard, the controller may include, or be associated with, one or more memory elements or non-transitory computer-readable storage medium(s), such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, EPROM, flash memory devices, magnetic disks, etc., and/or combinations thereof. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. For example, the instructions may be software or any set of instructions that when executed by the processing device, cause the processing device to perform operations. It should be noted that controller 96 as disclosed herein is capable of and may be operable to perform any methods or associated method steps as disclosed herein. For example, in some embodiments, methods disclosed herein may be embodied in programming instructions stored in the memory and executed by the controller 96.

Referring again to FIG. 1, a schematic diagram of an external communication system 100 will be described according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. In general, external communication system 100 is configured for permitting a consumer, a grocery delivery service, or another entity to communicate with and/or control delivery appliance 10, e.g., through controller 96. For example, this communication may be used to provide and receive delivery notifications or instructions, as described below. Alternatively, such notifications and information may be input directly through control panel 90.

As illustrated, external communication system 100 permits controller 96 of delivery appliance 10 to communicate with external devices either directly or through a network 102. For example, a consumer may use a consumer device 104 to communicate directly with delivery appliance 10. For example, consumer devices 104 may be in direct or indirect communication with delivery appliance 10, e.g., directly through a local area network (LAN), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, etc. or indirectly through network 102. In general, consumer device 104 may be any suitable device for providing and/or receiving communications or commands from a user. In this regard, consumer device 104 may include, for example, a personal phone, a tablet, a laptop computer, or another mobile device.

In addition, a remote server 106 may be in communication with delivery appliance 10 and/or consumer device 104 through network 102. In this regard, for example, remote server 106 may facilitate or operate a grocery delivery service or another package delivery service. In this regard, remote server 106 may be a cloud-based server 106, and is thus located at a distant location, such as in a separate state, country, etc. In general, communication between the remote server 106 and the client devices may be carried via a network interface using any type of wireless connection, using a variety of communication protocols (e.g. TCP/IP, HTTP, SMTP, FTP), encodings or formats (e.g. HTML, XML), and/or protection schemes (e.g. VPN, secure HTTP, SSL).

In general, network 102 can be any type of communication network. For example, network 102 can include one or more of a wireless network, a wired network, a personal area network, a local area network, a wide area network, the internet, a cellular network, etc. According to an exemplary embodiment, consumer device 104 may communicate with a remote server 106 over network 102, such as the internet, to place food orders, order items, process payments, etc. In addition, consumer device 104 and remote server 106 may communicate with delivery appliance 10 to coordinate the delivery and receipt of items 20, as described in detail below.

External communication system 100 is described herein according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. However, it should be appreciated that the exemplary functions and configurations of external communication system 100 provided herein are used only as examples to facilitate description of aspects of the present subject matter. System configurations may vary, other communication devices may be used to communicate directly or indirectly with one or more delivery appliances, other communication protocols and steps may be implemented, etc. These variations and modifications are contemplated as within the scope of the present subject matter.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 6, an object detection system 110 that may be used with delivery appliance 10 will be described according to exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. In this regard, FIG. 6 illustrates a single storage container 14 of delivery appliance 10 with an exemplary object detection system 110 operably coupled thereto. In general, the term “object detection system” is generally intended to refer to any suitable number, type, and configuration of sensors configured to identify objects within storage container 14, to determine available storage capacity within storage container 14, or to otherwise detect the presence, absence, or other quantitative or qualitative aspect of objects positioned within storage container 14.

According to the illustrated embodiment, object detection assembly 110 includes one or more optical emitters 112 and one or more corresponding optical receivers 114. In this regard, optical emitter 112 may emit or direct an optical beam (e.g., as identified generally by reference numeral 116) and optical receiver 114 may detect optical beam 116. More specifically, as shown, object detection assembly 110 includes multiple pairs of emitters 112 and receivers 114 that are spaced apart on opposite sides of a storage container 14 to generally form a detection grid. Notably, when an object is present in storage container and is positioned between a particular optical emitter 112 and optical receiver 114, that object may block the transmission of optical beam 116 toward the respective optical receiver 114. As such, the detection grid may be used monitor the precise location, size, and orientation of objects within storage container 14. In this regard, object detection assembly 110 may detect a vertical position, a lateral position, and a transverse position of each item within storage container 14, along with its overall size and orientation, and may deduce the remaining storage capacity within storage container 14.

Although FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment that utilizes optical emitters and receivers in a grid pattern, it should be appreciated that object detection assembly 110 may use any other suitable number, type, and configuration of sensors for detecting the presence, position, and size of objects within storage container 14. For example, object detection assembly 110 may include any suitable number of sensors, such as optical sensors, proximity sensors, line of sight sensors, inductive sensors, magnetic sensors, mechanical switches or triggers, or any other suitable object detection sensor.

Moreover, object detection assembly 110 may include any suitable imaging device, such as a camera intended to take one or more images of a storage container 14. According to exemplary embodiments, these images may be used along with an image processing algorithm to identify and quantify objects within storage container 14. In addition, or alternatively, controller 96 may analyze the images of storage container 14 using any suitable artificial intelligence or machine learning image recognition process. Other systems and methods for detecting objects within storage container 14 are possible and within the scope of the present subject matter.

Referring again to FIG. 1, delivery appliance 10 may further include a user proximity detection device 120 for detecting when a user of delivery appliance 10 has arrived home or within close proximity to delivery appliance 10. In this regard, for example, user proximity detection device 120 may be integrated into control panel 90 and/or controller 96 for detecting the presence or proximity of a user using any suitable proximity detection technology, sensors, systems, etc. According to an exemplary embodiment, user proximity detection device may include a communication module 122 of controller 96 that is in operative communication with consumer device 104 (e.g., via a network 102). Thus, when a user arrives at the residence or other location where delivery appliance 10 is located, user proximity detection device 120 may trigger controller 96 to perform an additional notification or to otherwise provide the user with instructions to retrieve stored items if there is an anticipates delivery or if there are otherwise items present within one or more storage containers 14.

Now that the construction and configuration of delivery appliance 10 and external communication system 100 have been presented according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter, an exemplary method 200 for operating a delivery appliance using an external communication system is provided. Method 200 can be used to operate delivery appliance 10 using external communication system 100, or to operate any other suitable delivery appliance using any other suitable communication system. In this regard, for example, controller 96 may be configured for implementing method 200. However, it should be appreciated that the exemplary method 200 is discussed herein only to describe exemplary aspects of the present subject matter, and is not intended to be limiting.

As shown in FIG. 7, method 200 includes, at step 210, receiving a delivery notification of an item to be delivered to a temperature-controlled delivery appliance. For example, continuing the example from above, delivery appliance 10 may receive delivery notification of specific food items 20 from a grocery delivery service through remote network 102. Notably, it may be desirable to ensure that delivery appliance 10 has sufficient space to store the item to be delivered and that a storage container is at a desired storage temperature at the anticipated time of delivery. Accordingly, aspects of the present subject matter are directed to features and control methods which improve interaction between delivery appliance 10, users of delivery appliance 10, and delivery agents who deliver packages or other items to the user via delivery appliance 10.

Method 200 may further include, at step 220, obtaining a required storage capacity of the item to be delivered. In this regard, it may be desirable that the delivery notification from the delivery agent includes certain information to facilitate improved appliance operation and preparedness for the anticipated delivery. Thus, according to exemplary embodiment, the delivery notification may be received from a delivery agent and may include information such as the anticipated delivery time, a desired storage temperature, a required space or storage capacity needed to store delivered items, etc. As used herein, the term “delivery agent” is generally intended to refer to any party that intends to deliver one or more items of any type for storage within delivery appliance 10. For example, the delivery agent may be a grocery store, a parcel delivery service, an online retailer, a postal service, or any other party wishing to deposit one or more items within delivery appliance 10.

It should be appreciated that communications between delivery appliance 10, a user of delivery appliance 10, and delivery agents may be facilitated in any suitable manner. For example, according to exemplary embodiments, these entities may interact via network 102, through controller 96, via remote consumer device 104, using remote server 106, or in any other suitable manner. In addition, delivery appliance 10 and/or consumer device 104 may be in communication with the Internet and the online retailer through which the item to be delivered was ordered, and may thereby receive useful information regarding delivery schedule, storage requirements, potential rescheduling times, or to communicate any other information related to the delivery of the item.

Step 230 may include determining an available storage capacity within a storage container of the temperature-controlled delivery appliance using an object detection assembly. In this regard, continuing the example from above, object detection assembly 110 may be used to analyze the space within one or more storage containers 14 to determine how much space is available to receive new items and whether the scheduled item to be delivered can be stored within storage containers 14.

For example, step 240 may include determining that the required storage capacity is greater than the available storage capacity. In other words, the item to be delivered may require more space than available in delivery appliance 10. In such an event, it may be desirable to adjust the delivery or otherwise address the space limitations within storage container 14 prior to the anticipated delivery time. As such, step 250 may include providing a capacity notification in response to determining that the required storage capacity is greater than the available storage capacity.

The capacity notification may be provided from any suitable source (e.g., such as controller 96) to any suitable entity in order to encourage corrective action to avoid delivery of an item that cannot be received within delivery appliance 10. In this regard, for example, the capacity notification may be provided to the delivery agent and may include instructions regarding an alternative delivery location or alternative delivery instructions. According to still other embodiments, the capacity notification may pause or cancel the delivery, may attempt to reschedule the delivery with the delivery agent, or may make any other suitable modification to the item delivery in order to mitigate the negative effects associated with the lack of capacity in delivery appliance 10.

In addition, or alternatively, the capacity notification may be provided to the user of delivery appliance 10 (e.g., via consumer device 104). In this regard, controller 96 may notify the user that an upcoming delivery is scheduled and that there is not sufficient capacity within delivery appliance 10 to accept the item. The user may respond directly on their consumer device 104 as to whether they intend to remove an item, reschedule delivery, or otherwise modify the item delivery. This intended responsive action from the user may be communicated to the delivery agent, e.g., to prevent cancellation of item delivery in the event corrective action has been taken, to propose another delivery time, etc.

Step 260 may include determining that a user is nearby the temperature-controlled delivery appliance using a user proximity detection device. As explained briefly above, user proximity detection device 120 may detect when a user has arrived home or at the location where delivery appliance 10 is located. At this time, the user may have forgotten that an item was delivered during the day or that the capacity within delivery appliance 10 is limited. As a result, it may be desirable to remind the user to empty storage containers 14 or otherwise retrieve one or more items. In this regard, step 270 may include providing a reminder to the user to retrieve the items in the storage container to make room for the item to be delivered. In this manner, the user may be reminded to remove the item to free up space to receive the item to be delivered without requiring rescheduling or other delivery manipulation.

According to exemplary embodiments, the delivery notification may further include an approximated delivery time delay (e.g., the time delay between receipt of the delivery notification and the delivery of food items 20), a target temperature for those food items 20, and any other suitable information. Method 200 may further include operating the climate control system to regulate the container temperature to the target temperature prior to item delivery. In this regard, for example, the container temperature may be measured using container temperature sensor 80 and may be fed back continuously to controller 96. Controller 96 may then operate climate control system 50 to regulate the container temperature. In addition, method 200 may include returning the storage container to an energy conserving temperature after delivered food items 20 are removed from the storage container, e.g., to conserve energy.

FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary control method having steps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and discussion. Those of ordinary skill in the art, using the disclosures provided herein, will understand that the steps of any of the methods discussed herein can be adapted, rearranged, expanded, omitted, or modified in various ways without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, although aspects of the methods are explained using delivery appliance 10 and external communication system 100 as an example, it should be appreciated that these methods may be applied to the operation of any suitable appliance.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. 

1. A temperature-controlled delivery appliance comprising: a storage container positioned within a cabinet for receiving items for storage; an object detection assembly positioned within the cabinet for detecting the items within the storage container; a communication module in operative communication with a mobile device of the user through a remote network; and a controller operably coupled to the object detection assembly, the controller being configured to: receive a delivery notification of an item to be delivered; obtain a required storage capacity of the item being delivered; determine an available storage capacity within the storage container using the object detection assembly; determine that the required storage capacity is greater than the available storage capacity; determine that a user is nearby the temperature-controlled delivery appliance by detecting the mobile device using the communication module; provide a reminder to the user to retrieve the items in the storage container to make room for the item to be delivered; and provide a capacity notification in response to determining that the required storage capacity is greater than the available storage capacity.
 2. The temperature-controlled delivery appliance of claim 1, wherein the object detection assembly comprises: one or more proximity sensors or optical sensors.
 3. The temperature-controlled delivery appliance of claim 2, wherein the one or more proximity sensors or optical sensors form a detection grid within the storage container.
 4. The temperature-controlled delivery appliance of claim 3, wherein the detection grid is configured for detecting a vertical position, a lateral position, and a transverse position of the items within the storage container.
 5. The temperature-controlled delivery appliance of claim 1, wherein the delivery notification is received from a delivery agent.
 6. The temperature-controlled delivery appliance of claim 1, wherein the delivery notification is accompanied by the required storage capacity of the item to be delivered.
 7. The temperature-controlled delivery appliance of claim 1, wherein providing the capacity notification in response to determining that the required storage capacity is greater than the available storage capacity comprises: providing an alternate delivery location to a delivery agent.
 8. The temperature-controlled delivery appliance of claim 1, wherein providing the capacity notification in response to determining that the required storage capacity is greater than the available storage capacity comprises: rescheduling delivery with a delivery agent.
 9. The temperature-controlled delivery appliance of claim 1, further comprising: a user proximity detection device.
 10. The temperature-controlled delivery appliance of claim 9, wherein the controller is operably coupled to the user proximity detection device and is further configured to: determine that a user is nearby the temperature-controlled delivery appliance using the user proximity detection device; and provide a reminder to the user to retrieve the items in the storage container to make room for the item to be delivered.
 11. (canceled)
 12. The temperature-controlled delivery appliance of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to: determine that a delivery has occurred; and provide a user notification that the delivery has occurred.
 13. The temperature-controlled delivery appliance of claim 1, further comprising: a climate control system in thermal communication with the storage container for regulating a temperature of the storage container; and a temperature sensing device for obtaining the temperature of the storage container, wherein the controller is further configured to provide a notification when the temperature of the storage container has reached a target temperature.
 14. The temperature-controlled delivery appliance of claim 1, wherein the capacity notification is transmitted through the remote network.
 15. A method of operating a temperature-controlled delivery appliance, the temperature-controlled delivery appliance comprising a storage container for receiving items for storage, an object detection assembly for detecting the items within the storage container, and a communication module in operative communication with a mobile device of the user through a remote network, the method comprising: receiving a delivery notification of an item to be delivered; obtaining a required storage capacity of the item to be delivered; determining an available storage capacity within the storage container using the object detection assembly; determining that the required storage capacity is greater than the available storage capacity; determining that a user is nearby the temperature-controlled delivery appliance by detecting the mobile device using the communication module; providing a reminder to the user to retrieve the items in the storage container to make room for the item to be delivered; and providing a capacity notification in response to determining that the required storage capacity is greater than the available storage capacity.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the delivery notification is received from a delivery agent.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the delivery notification is accompanied by the required storage capacity.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein providing the capacity notification in response to determining that the required storage capacity is greater than the available storage capacity comprises: providing an alternate delivery location to a delivery agent or rescheduling delivery with the delivery agent.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein the temperature-controlled delivery appliance further comprises a user proximity detection device, the method further comprising: determining that a user is nearby the temperature-controlled delivery appliance using the user proximity detection device; and providing a reminder to the user to retrieve the items in the storage container to make room for the item to be delivered.
 20. (canceled) 